Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network

 Data communication is the process of transferring data from one place to another or between two locations. It allows
electronic and digital data to move between two networks, no matter where the two are located geographically, what the
data contains, or what format they are in.

 Just like humans communicate in a variety of ways—by speaking, texting,

and emailing—data similarly transfers from one place to another using
different mediums. This process of moving electronic and digital data is
called data communication.
 A common example of data communication is connecting your laptop to a
Wi-Fi network. This action requires a wireless medium to send and receive
data from remote servers.
 The type of data transmission demonstrates the direction in which
the data moves between the sender and receiver.
 Simplex data transmission: Data is sent from sender to receiver
 Half-duplex data transmission: Data can transmit both ways, but not
simultaneously
 Full-duplex data transmission: Data can transmit both ways at the
same time
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
 Data communication is the process of transferring data from one place to another or between two locations. It allows
electronic and digital data to move between two networks, no matter where the two are located geographically, what the
data contains, or what format they are in.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
 Human beings are the only creatures on the earth who are able to communicate with each other through the medium of
language. But humans take this gift to another extent. Distance, time, and physical existence of the person don’t matter in
communication these days because they build a communication system through which they can communicate or share data like
images, videos, text, files, etc with their loved ones anytime anywhere.
 Communication is defined as a process in which more than one computer transfers information, instructions to each other and
for sharing resources. Or in other words, communication is a process or act in which we can send or receive data.
 A network of computers is defined as an interconnected collection of autonomous computers. Autonomous means no
computer can start, stop or control another computer.
Components of Data Communication
Message: A message is a piece of information that is to be transmitted from one person to another. It could be a text file, an audio
file, a video file, etc.
Sender: It is simply a device that sends data messages. It can be a computer, mobile, telephone, laptop, video camera, or
workstation, etc.
Receiver: It is a device that receives messages. It can be a computer, telephone mobile, workstation, etc.
Transmission Medium / Communication Channels: Communication channels are the medium that connect two or more
workstations. Workstations can be connected by either wired media or wireless media.
Set of rules (Protocol): When someone sends the data (The sender), it should be understandable to the receiver also otherwise it is
meaningless. For example, efrata sends a message to biruk. If efrata writes in oromic and biruk cannot understand oromic, it is a
meaningless conversation.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Therefore, there are some set of rules (protocols) that is followed by every
computer connected to the internet and they are:

TCP(Transmission Control Protocol): It is responsible for dividing messages

into packets on the source computer and reassembling the received packet at the
destination or recipient computer. It also makes sure that the packets have the
information about the source of the message data, the destination of the message
data, the sequence in which the message data should be re-assembled, and checks
if the message has been sent correctly to the specific destination.

IP(Internet Protocol): Do You ever wonder how does computer determine

which packet belongs to which device. What happens if the message you sent to
your friend is received by your father? Scary Right. Well! IP is responsible for
handling the address of the destination computer so that each packet is sent to its
proper destination.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Type of data communication
As we know that data communication is communication in which we can send or receive data from one device to another.
The data communication is divided into three types:
 Simplex Communication: It is one-way communication or we can say that unidirectional communication in which one
device only receives and another device only sends data and devices uses their entire capacity in transmission.
For example, IoT, entering data using a keyboard, listing music using a speaker, etc.
 Half Duplex communication: It is a two-way communication or we can say that it is a bidirectional communication in
which both the devices can send and receive data but not at the same time. When one device is sending data then another
device is only receiving and vice-versa. For example, walkie-talkie.
 Full-duplex communication: It is a two-way communication or we can say that it is a bidirectional communication in
which both the devices can send and receive data at the same time. For example, mobile phones, landlines, etc.
Communication Channels
Communication channels are the medium that connects two or more workstations. Workstations can be connected by either
wired media or wireless media. It is also known as a transmission medium. The transmission medium or channel is a link
that carries messages between two or more devices. We can group the communication media into two categories:
 Guided media transmission
 Unguided media transmission
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Guided Media:
 In this transmission medium, the physical link is created using wires or cables between two or more computers or
devices, and then the data is transmitted using these cables in terms of signals. Guided media transmission of the
following types:
1. Twisted pair cable:
These are a type of guided media. It was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. Twisted pair cables have two conductors that are generally
made up of copper and each conductor has insulation. These two conductors are twisted together, thus giving the name twisted pair cables.
Types of Twisted Pair Cable :
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): It is used in computers and telephones widely. As the name suggests, there is no external shielding so it
does not protects from external interference. It is cheaper than STP.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): It offers greater protection from crosstalk due to shield. Due to shielding, it protects from external interference.
It is heavier and costlier as compare to UTP.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
2. Coaxial Cable:
It consists of a solid wire core that is surrounded by one or more foil or wire shields. The inner core of the coaxial cable
carries the signal and the outer shield provides the ground. It is widely used for television signals and also used by large
corporations in building security systems. Data transmission of this cable is better but expensive as compared to twisted
pair.

3. Optical fibers:
Optical fiber is an important technology. It transmits large amounts of data at very high speeds due to which it is widely
used in internet cables. It carries data as a light that travels inside a thin glass fiber. Transmit light from one end to another.
The fiber optic cable is made up of three pieces:
Core: Core is the piece through which light travels. It is generally created using glass or plastic.
Cladding: It is the covering of the core and reflects the light back to the core.
Sheath: It is the protective covering that protects fiber cable from the environment.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Unguided Media
The unguided transmission media is a transmission mode in which the signals are propagated from one device to another
device wirelessly. Signals can wave through the air, water, or vacuum. It is generally used to transmit signals in all
directions. Unguided Media is further divided into various parts :
 Microwave: Microwave offers communication without the use of cables. Microwave signals are just like radio and
television signals. It is used in long-distance communication. Microwave transmission consists of a transmitter, receiver,
and atmosphere. In microwave communication, there are parabolic antennas that are mounted on the towers to send a
beam to another antenna. The higher the tower, the greater the range.
 Radio wave: When communication is carried out by radio frequencies, then it is termed radio waves transmission. It
offers mobility. It is consists of the transmitter and the receiver. Both use antennas to radiate and capture the radio signal.
 Infrared: It is short-distance communication and can pass through any object. It is generally used in TV remotes,
wireless mouse, etc.
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Types of Network
 A network is a collection of network-enabled devices, typically made up of computers, switches, routers, printers, and
servers. Networks are a fundamental part of day-to-day life, and exist in homes, workplaces, and public areas. Networks
allow all types of network-enabled devices to communicate.
 Networks vary in size, shape, and usage. To make it easier to identify different network types, they're categorized into
one of the following network categories:
Personal area networks
 A Personal Area Network (PAN) is smallest network which is very personal to a user. This may include Bluetooth enabled
devices or infra-red enabled devices. PAN has connectivity range up to 10 meters. PAN may include wireless computer
keyboard and mouse, Bluetooth enabled headphones, wireless printers, and TV remotes.
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Types of Network
Local Area Network
 A computer network spanned inside a building and operated under single administrative system is generally termed as
Local Area Network (LAN). Usually, LAN covers an organization offices, schools, colleges or universities. Number of
systems connected in LAN may vary from as least as two to as much as 16 million.
 LAN provides a useful way of sharing the resources between end users. The resources such as printers, file servers,
scanners, and internet are easily sharable among computers.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Types of Network
Metropolitan Area Network
 A metropolitan area network (MAN) provides networking capabilities between two different locations within a city or
metropolitan area to provide a single extensive network. Typically, a MAN requires a dedicated and secure connection
between each LAN joined to the MAN.
 Backbone of MAN is high-capacity and high-speed fiber optics. MAN works in between Local Area Network and Wide
Area Network. MAN provides uplink for LANs to WANs or internet.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Types of Network
Wide Area Network
 As the name suggests, the Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a wide area which may span across provinces and even a
whole country. Generally, telecommunication networks are Wide Area Network. These networks provide connectivity to
MANs and LANs. Since they are equipped with very high speed backbone, WANs use very expensive network
equipment.
 A wide area network (WAN) provides networking capabilities between two different geographical locations locally or
worldwide. For example, a WAN is used to connect an organization's head office with branch offices all over the region.
A WAN links multiple LANs together to create one super network.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Basic Data Communication Hardware
 Network hardware is defined as a set of physical or network devices that are essential for interaction and communication
between hardware units operational on a computer network.
 Network hardware plays a key role as industries grow as it supports scalability. It integrates any number of components
depending on the enterprise’s needs. Network hardware helps establish an effective mode of communication, thereby
improving the business standards. It also promotes multiprocessing and enables sharing of resources, information, and
software with ease.
 Network Devices: Network devices, also known as networking hardware, are physical devices that allow hardware on a
computer network to communicate and interact with one another.
Modems: A modem enables a computer to connect to the internet via a telephone line. The modem at one end converts the
computer’s digital signals into analog signals and sends them through a telephone line. At the other end, it converts the
analog signals to digital signals that are understandable for another computer.
Routers: A router connects two or more networks. One common use of the router is to connect a home or office network
(LAN) to the internet (WAN). It generally has a plugged-in internet cable along with cables that connect computers on the
LAN. Alternatively, a LAN connection can also be wireless (Wi-Fi-enabled), making the network device wireless. These are
also referred to as wireless access points (WAPs).
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Basic Data Communication Hardware
Modems: A modem enables a computer to connect to the internet via a telephone line. The modem at one end converts the
computer’s digital signals into analog signals and sends them through a telephone line. At the other end, it converts the
analog signals to digital signals that are understandable for another computer.
Routers: A router connects two or more networks. One common use of the router is to connect a home or office network
(LAN) to the internet (WAN). It generally has a plugged-in internet cable along with cables that connect computers on the
LAN. Alternatively, a LAN connection can also be wireless (Wi-Fi-enabled), making the network device wireless. These are
also referred to as wireless access points (WAPs).
Hubs, bridges, and switches: Hubs, bridges, and switches are connecting units that allow multiple devices to connect to the
router and enable data transfer to all devices on a network. A router is a complex device with the capabilities of hubs,
bridges, and even switches.
Hubs: A hub broadcasts data to all devices on a network. As a result, it consumes a lot of bandwidth as many computers
might not need to receive the broadcasted data.
Bridges: A bridge connects two separate LAN networks. It scans for the receiving device before sending a message. This
implies that it avoids unnecessary data transfers if the receiving device is not there. Moreover, it also checks to see whether
the receiving device has already received the message. These practices improve the overall performance of the network.
Switches: A switch is more powerful than a hub or a bridge but performs a similar role. It stores the MAC addresses of
network devices and transfers data packets only to those devices that have requested Thus, when the demand is high, a
switch becomes more efficient as it reduces the amount of latency.
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Basic Data Communication Hardware
Network interface cards: A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware unit installed on a computer, which allows it to
connect to a network. It is typically in the form of a circuit board or chip. In most modern machines, NICs are built into the
motherboards, while in some computers, an extra expansion card in the form of a small circuit board is added externally.
Network cables: Cables connect different devices on a network.
Firewall: A firewall is a hardware or software device between a computer and the rest of the network open to attackers or
hackers. Thus, a LAN can be protected from hackers by placing a firewall between the LAN and the internet connection. A
firewall allows authorized connections and data-like emails or web pages to pass through but blocks unauthorized
connections made to a computer or LAN.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Basic Data Communication Hardware
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Network topologies
 A network topology describes the physical composition of a network.
Bus topology
 In a bus topology, each network device is connected to a single network cable. Even though it's the simplest type of
network to implement, it has limitations. The first limitation is the length of the main cable or bus. The longer it gets, the
higher the chance of signal dropout. This limitation constrains the physical layout of the network. All devices have to be
physically located near each other; for example, in the same room. Finally, if there's a break in the bus cable, the whole
network fails.

Ring topology
In a ring topology, each network device is connected to its neighbor to form a ring. This form of network is more resilient
than the bus topology. A break in the cable ring also affects the performance of the network.
Introduction To Data Communication & Ctr Network
Network topologies
 A network topology describes the physical composition of a network.
Mesh topology
each network device connects to every other network device in the network.

Star topology
The star topology is the most commonly used network topology. Each network device connects to a centralized hub or
switch. Switches and hubs can be linked together to extend and build more extensive networks. This type of typology is, by
far, the most robust and scalable.